Latin America decides

For Latin America, this year 2015 presents itself as a year of accomplishments. In the local level, countries like Colombia and Mexico move decisevely forward toward national peace. In the regional level, the Cuba-United States and CELAC-China relations have come to assemble the regional voices in pursuit of ocmmon achievements.

In the first place, the progress of the peace negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC, added to the recent declaration for dialogue of the National Liberation Army (ELN), show a united and consolidated Colombia. The achievements of the government go hand in hand with a national sentiment which awaits with hope the end of the cross-fire and the reaching of common objectives. Mexico has similarly been moved by the disappearance of 43 students in late 2014. This has been reflected in the declaration of intentions and political will of the legislative power representatives who, without leaving their own convictions aside, have turned to generating a reform to the national security system

Both in Colombia and Mexico, the recent developments change in part the political scene. As domestic activity takes place, which leads to the encounter of different voices, and as the negotiations with FARC reach a conclusion, the dialogue reaches more complex points. Likewise, in Mexico, the population expects a resolved reaction from the political community to guarantee a higher level of safety. In both cases the popular expectations are at a peak, but not any less optimistic. If a future reform to the Mexican national security plan is materialized, and a peace agreement with FARC is reached, both countries will have demonstrated having the capacity to handle the main ailment afflicting each of them, leaving space to make progress in other matters, transforming their image in the regional level.

Secondly, the opening of dialogue and agreements between Cuba and the United States could kickstart a process of regional unity. Nations which leaders focus their speech on nationalism might see themselves more threatened by the possibility of an increase of American pressence in the region, or they might as well open themselves up to the possibility to dialogue the boundaries up to which these relations could affect the nature of their nations. A dichotomic path unfolds here which, in a favorable scenario might put a gradual end to the imperialist versus anti-imperialist which divides the region, strengthening the diplomatic and trade relations between countries. Of course, the establishment of relations between both nations does not guarantee a Cuban transition to democracy, nor does it assures the lifting of the United States' economic embargo. But it certainly gives the chance to rethink the region's foreign relations.

Faced to the possibility of a restoration of dialogue between both nations, Latin America has shown a high level of agreement and decision. Latin American countries have been coherent in proposing that reaching a mutually beneficial agreement would be fruitful both for Cuba and the region. Likewise, it has also shown itself as a region of clear and resolute ideas toward major issues.

In the last years, Latin America has shown it has a common vision of the path it wishes to follow. It has thus made it clear in the efforts seeking for peace in Mexico and Colombia, in its relation with China, and in its stance toward the situation between Cuba and the United States.

Thirdly, the recent materialization of the first meeting of the CELAC-China Forum in Beijing generated economic expectations inside the region. Following the gathering, most of nations declared that it is beneficial for all to improve their economic relations with a country like China which has the willingness to generate agreements. China not only looks to increase commercial transactions in Latin America, but it also seeks to invest and provide financial support to some of its countries.

This situation of investment and transaction could lead to a decrease in the price of commodities which has risen lately due to their tending scarcity. Currently, China is a significant financial support to Venezuela and Ecuador with regards to the falling price of oil. It is to be expected that before the second CELAC-China meeting, to take place in January of 2018 in Chile, the region's relations with the Asian country will have already consolidated.

With all of this, it is possible to assert that Latin America currently goes through a period in which opportunities for change are presented to her, in which the path that she takes will depend this time on the same region and not necessarily on external decisions. In the last years, Latin America has shown it has a common vision of the path it wishes to follow. It has thus made it clear in the efforts seeking for peace in Mexico and Colombia, in its relation with China, and in its stance toward the situation between Cuba and the United States.

Political scientist from Diego Portales University of Chile (UDP). She has published with Centro de Estudios Publicos (CEP) and currently carries out studies on native people's political participation and representation in Chile, and analysis of public policies for the sustainable development of Latin America. Member of the UDP Electoral Political Observatory.